Zadar and the Kornati: boating safety
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Zadar and nearby Sukošan are charter bases for the Zadar archipelago. Typical routes run through the Pašman channel to Dugi otok, Telašćica Nature Park and the Kornati National Park, where tickets and park rules apply.
Croatia: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
Harbour and marinas
The Zadar Harbour Master's Office (Lučka kapetanija Zadar) is at the ferry terminal, Gaženička cesta 28C. Its vessel-traffic, search and rescue desk is staffed 24 hours.
Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Croatia) · Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Croatia) ▾
D-Marin Dalmacija (Sukošan) and D-Marin Borik (Zadar) both ask arriving boats to call them on VHF channel 17.
D-Marin Dalmacija · D-Marin Borik ▾
Weather
Split Radio broadcasts maritime safety information, including gale warnings and forecasts, on VHF channels 07, 21, 23, 28, 81 and 84 at 05:45, 12:45, 19:45 and 00:45 UTC. Its VHF sites include Sv. Mihovil (channel 07) and Ćelavac (channel 28).
Plovput (Croatian coast radio service) · Plovput (Croatian coast radio service) ▾
Local rules
Within 300 m of the coast, in narrow channels and on approaches to harbours and anchorages, all vessels must keep a speed of no more than 8 knots.
Narodne novine (Official Gazette of Croatia), NN 52/2025, Article 50 ▾
Every visitor to Kornati National Park needs a valid ticket for each day in the park. Tickets bought before entering the park are cheaper than those sold by rangers inside it.
Kornati National Park (JU NP Kornati) · Kornati National Park (JU NP Kornati) ▾
The Kornati park rules set a maximum speed of 8 knots in the park. In the strict protection zones (around Purara, Klint and Volić, Mrtovnjak, Kolobučar and the Obručan islets) boats may not sail, anchor or moor without the park's permission.
Narodne novine, NN 141/2010 (Kornati National Park internal rules), Article 6 · Narodne novine, NN 141/2010 (Kornati National Park internal rules), Article 5 ▾
In Telašćica Nature Park (Dugi otok) the 2022 rules ban anchoring and allow mooring only at marked places. Visitors must hold a ticket for their whole stay.
Telašćica Nature Park (Pravilnik NN 8/2022) · Telašćica Nature Park (Pravilnik NN 8/2022) · Telašćica Nature Park (Pravilnik NN 8/2022) ▾
Hazards
In the narrow Mala Proversa passage between Dugi otok and Kornat the speed limit is 5 knots, and sailing, anchoring, stopping and fishing are banned in and at the approach to the passage.
Narodne novine (Official Gazette of Croatia), NN 52/2025, Article 65 · Narodne novine (Official Gazette of Croatia), NN 52/2025, Article 65 ▾
Hospital and medical
Zadar General Hospital (Opća bolnica Zadar), Bože Peričića 5, has a combined emergency department (OHBP) for acutely ill and injured patients.
Opća bolnica Zadar · Opća bolnica Zadar ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Zadar and the Kornati?
Call MRCC Rijeka on 195. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Zadar and the Kornati?
The Zadar Harbour Master's Office (Lučka kapetanija Zadar) is at the ferry terminal, Gaženička cesta 28C. Its vessel-traffic, search and rescue desk is staffed 24 hours.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Zadar and the Kornati?
Split Radio broadcasts maritime safety information, including gale warnings and forecasts, on VHF channels 07, 21, 23, 28, 81 and 84 at 05:45, 12:45, 19:45 and 00:45 UTC. Its VHF sites include Sv. Mihovil (channel 07) and Ćelavac (channel 28).
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
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